Sleep can determine how you are going to feel for the rest of the day, and can even affect your productivity for the day ahead. Sleeping is one thing, but being rested after sleeping is another. There are always nights where you get to sleep, but it is light, and you still wake up not feeling as well-rested as you need to.
Many people struggle with sleep-related issues, which can lead to sleep deprivation and negatively impact both physical and mental health. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about CBD for sleep, including how it can help support restfulness..
The Role of CBD in Supporting Sleep
CBD, in simple terms, is a natural chemical found in the hemp plant. Over the years, it has gained much interest for its non-psychoactive qualities. It has shown promise for promoting restfulness and sleep.
Unlike the major psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it does not create a “high.” However, it affects the body through interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which is an important regulator of several physiological processes: mood, sensation, appetite, and sleep.
How CBD Can Support Sleep
- Promoting Relaxation: CBD works to calm the mind and body by interacting with the receptors in the brain that dictate mood and uneasiness.
- Reducing Feelings of Uneasiness: Feeling uneasy is one of the most common causes of sleep disturbances. CBD anxiolytic properties have been studied to lower uneasiness and support calmness.
- Supporting a Balanced Sleep Cycle: By acting on the ECS, CBD may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, ensuring more consistent sleep patterns. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with irregular sleep schedules or for those experiencing jet lag.
Choosing the Right CBD Products for Sleep
Choosing high-quality CBD products will help you achieve the best results. Consider personal preferences, lifestyle needs, and specific sleep challenges when choosing the type and concentration of CBD.
Types of CBD Products for Sleep
CBD oil: CBD oil tinctures allow flexibility in dosage and can be taken sublingually for quicker effects. These are very popular to take at bedtime to ensure your rest is deep and relaxed. Tinctures can also be added to herbal teas or other calming beverages as part of a nighttime routine.
CBD Gummies: Easy to dose and very convenient, these are quite popular among people who like taking their medication with a taste. They offer precise dosing and are easy to fit into daily routines.
CBD Capsules: Capsules offer precise dosing, and it’s easy to fit them into daily supplement regimens. These products are best for those who don’t want much fuss with their supplements.
CBD Topicals: While primarily used for localized relief from pain or inflammation, some people find applying topicals before bed helps with relaxation by soothing tense muscles.
Tips for Using CBD for Better Sleep
- Start with a Low Dose: Start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase it until you find the optimal amount that promotes restful sleep with no side effects. This way, you can easily monitor your response to the supplement.
- Timing is Everything: Take your CBD as part of your nightly routine, so the benefits can be cumulative over time. This consistency will help the body keep a balanced level of cannabinoids.
- Monitor Your Effects: Observe how you feel after taking CBD to see if it improves your sleep quality. You may want to keep a sleep journal to track any changes in sleeping patterns.
Incorporating CBD into your bedtime routine can help improve the entire process of getting better rest. Here are a few tips on how to do this successfully:
- Make It a Relaxing Environment: Dim the lights, play soothing music, or use aromatherapy in addition to your CBD regimen to establish an environment that is not only calming but sleep-conducive. Essential oils like lavender or chamomile can help enhance the calming sensation of CBD.
- Practice a Sleeping Routine: Go to bed at the same time each night, avoid screens before bed, and limit caffeine throughout the day. These practices will support your natural circadian rhythms.
- Combine with Other Relaxation Techniques: CBD may be combined with practices like meditation or gentle yoga to further enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality. Deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation techniques may also be helpful.
CBD For Sleep
More research has to be done regarding how much CBD affects sleep, but current results from studies are promising. It points to promising benefits as part of a holistic approach to improving rest naturally.
You’ll want to choose high-quality products, integrate them into a routine, and incorporate other healthy activities to use CBD for sleep successfully.